PhD thesis: Data driven aging optimisation of coatings on composites (D/f/m) (m/w/d)

Job Description:
Are you looking for a PhD thesis?
Would you like to discover the work of a material scientist?
Then apply now!
We look forward to you joining us as an PhD student (d/f/m) at Airbus CRT
for 35 hours/ week, flexi-time.
Location: Ottobrunn, Munich
Start: ideally 1st of January 2026
Duration: 36 months
Airbus is a global pioneer in aeronautics, space and defense related services, creating cutting-edge technologies. Combining European heritage with global outreach, the diversity of our talent and technology drives innovation, integration and internationalization. Airbus CRT is the central research domain of the Airbus company, in charge of fundamental research for all Airbus divisions.
Throughout the operational lifespan of an aircraft, numerous factors contribute to the degradation of its components. First, the demanding environmental factors as well as the tough operational stresses and loads, such as tension, compression, bending, and torsion that impact their structural integrity. Second, aircraft are susceptible to damage from hail impact, lightning strikes, and foreign objects. Maintaining long-term performance requires the preservation of the structural integrity of aircraft. This is achieved by applying protective paint layers that serve as a barrier against the external stressors. Aeronautical coatings have been developed from low-level single-type coatings to high-level multifunctional coatings. Currently, the most used coatings in aircraft are synthetic resins, such as acrylic,
epoxy, and polyurethane based resins.
During service, an aircraft is exposed to extreme environmental conditions like UV radiation, large variations of temperature and humidity. Degradation of the polymer coatings usually starts at the outer surface and propagates inwards, resulting in a gradual decline of their protective performance. This can ultimately affect the structural integrity of the aircraft. For this reason, it is paramount first to develop a detailed and sound understanding of the chemical and physical degradation and aging mechanisms of coatings - in order to then become able to design and develop robust protective paint systems making use of the most advanced analytical, experimental and machine learning methods.
As a PhD student at Airbus CRT you will be a member of the materials team, be in charge of your PhD project, participate in technical project meetings with our customers and with our technical experts. The PhD thesis will be dedicated to understanding the operational and environmental aging processes of protective polymer coatings for composite structures, to applying advanced statistical and machine learning methods to capture the full breadth of the degradation problem, and to using computational chemistry and machine learning methods to design, develop and test new robust paint formulations.
Your exciting tasks

• Experimental degradation investigations of protective paint systems for aircraft
  
• Modelling and understanding of the main degradation mechanics and their severity
  
• Designing, developing and testing new robust protective paint formulations for composites
  
• Becoming familiar with most advanced experimental, numerical and machine learning methods for analysing test data and for developing new materials
  
• Write scientific papers, technical reports, and present them at conferences and meeting
  

Requirements

• Master degree in a field like Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
  
• Office applications (Google Workspace)
  
• Molecular dynamics tools, Python programming and basic understanding of using machine learning tools (would be pluses)
  
• Experience of working with polymer coatings (basics)
  
• Coupon manufacturing, physico-chemical testing, and data analysis (basics)
  
• English (full professional command)
  

You like working in a diverse team, you have excellent communication skills, and are able to plan and execute your share of the work independently
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
Employment Type:
PHD, Research
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Experience Level:
Student
Job Family:
Materials & Processes
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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com .
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.